Pointer capture allows events for a particular pointer event (PointerEvent) to be re-targeted to a particular element instead of the normal target (or hit test) at a pointer's location. This can be used to ensure that an element continues to receive pointer events even if the pointer device's contact moves off the element (for example by scrolling).
setPointerCapture() is the method of the Element interface used to designate a specific element as the capture target of future pointer events. Subsequent events for the pointer will be targeted at capture element until capture is released (via Element.releasePointerCapture).
pointerover, pointerout pointerenter and pointerleave events are only generated when crossing the boundary of the element that has capture set since other elements can no longer be targeted by the pointer. This has the effect of suppressing these events on all other elements.Syntax
targetElement.setPointerCapture(pointerId);
Arguments
- pointerId
- The
identifierfor apointer event.
Return value
This method returns void and throws a DOMException with the name InvalidPointerId if pointerId does not match any of the active pointers.
Example
<html>
<script>
function downHandler(ev) {
var el=document.getElementById("target");
//Element 'target' will receive/capture further events
el.setPointerCapture(ev.pointerId);
}
function init() {
var el=document.getElementById("target");
el.onpointerdown = downHandler;
}
</script>
<body onload="init();">
<div id="target"> Touch me ... </div>
</body>
</html>
Specifications
| Specification | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Pointer Events – Level 2 The definition of 'setPointerCapture' in that specification. |
Working Draft | Non-stable version. |
| Pointer Events The definition of 'setPointerCapture' in that specification. |
Recommendation | Initial definition. |
Browser compatibility
| Feature | Chrome | Edge | Firefox | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | 55 | ? | 59 411 | 11 10 ms | 42 | No |
| Feature | Android webview | Chrome for Android | Edge mobile | Firefox for Android | Opera Android | iOS Safari | Samsung Internet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | 55 | 55 | ? | No 411 | 42 | No | ? |
1. From version 41: this feature is behind the dom.w3c_pointer_events.enabled preference (needs to be set to true). To change preferences in Firefox, visit about:config.